Posts Tagged ‘Health’

With Las Vegas summers in the triple digits and very little humidity, when is it too hot for those pets that take up residence in Las Vegas? When should animal lovers be extra careful?

Here are a few things for Las Vegas pet owners to keep in mind.

With hot days well over 90, the temperature inside a car can rise to 140 degrees or more in a matter of minutes. Animals do not have quick cooling instincts like humans and these levels are life-threatening. Don’t leave your pets in the car. Take them inside if the store permits or leave them at home. You’ll survive and so will they.

Unless there is plenty of shade and access to water in your backyard or they love to swim in your pool, leave the pets inside. Expose them to the high heat for short periods of time. Pets too are privy to heat strokes. Look for these warning signs: rapid breathing or pulse, vomiting, unsteadiness, glazed look in the eyes. Give them ice/water to cool them down. Spray them with the mister to expedite cooling.

Don’t worry if they don’t want to eat. Humans don’t like to eat when it’s really hot either.

If you like to take walks, bring water along for your pet and check to make sure the temperature of the sidewalk isn’t scalding. Dogs don’t wear shoes and although they have padded paws, they are still susceptible to burns.

Best option? Keep them inside. Teach them to use the toilet and they won’t ever have to be let out again if they don’t want to.

It’s really easy to turn down the air when it’s 110 degrees but then the electric bill comes and you wished you hadn’t turned it down quite so low. Here are 10 ways to help you save on utilities this summer.

Land under a tree. Now for most Las Vegas real estate residents this isn’t an option, but there a few people who have large trees shading and ultimately cooling their homes.

Keep the sun out. Whether that’s solar blinds or black out curtains, keeping the sun out with keep your air conditioner from competing with the 3-digit temperatures.

If you’ve got dark colored window treatments, consider changing them as they absorb the heat even more.

Use the crockpot, microwave or grill out. Using the oven is a sure way to hike up those bills.

Install a programmable thermostat unit setting it up or down depending on your house traffic. The ideal temperature setting for your home is 78 degrees. If you can bear it it’ll be worth it.

Use your ceiling fans – run them counterclockwise to pull the hot air up.

Turn the water heater temperature down. It’s plenty hot outside. Save it for the winter.

Is your home properly insulated? Check it.

When was the last time you’re air-conditioner unit cleaned and checked? A dirty filter can cause it to work on overtime.

And just for kicks, paint your roof white? That’s what the experts say but I’m not sure that will fly. Check with your HOA first.

Do you know where the majority of your water comes from? Do you know how it is recycled and filtered? Most Las Vegas real estate residents think very little of the water supply even though Southern Nevada has strict watering regulations. The belief that having water is just like breathing is simply not true.

Nearly 90% of Southern Nevada’s water supply comes from Lake Mead. Those who have lived in Las Vegas for years have seen a slow and steady drop in the water line leaving white marks on the surrounding land documenting it’s decline. The more this drops, the more we should be concerned.

The water from Lake Mead goes through a heavy filtration system before being pumped back out to Las Vegas residents but there’s no reason we should not be careful and considerate as to what we are putting down the drain. Our watersheds like the Pittman Wash, filter much before it heads back to Lake Mead but being cautious will help keep our water source safe and hazardous free.

Here are 3 things you should never put down the drain (kitchens, toilets or outdoors):

Prescription medications and over the counter medications. They go straight to the water supply. High amounts are being found in water sources all around the country.

Motor oil/automotive fluids. Do not dispose of your oil down the storm drains. Most likely it’s not even legal to change your oil in your subdivision. If you don’t know how to dispose of it, ask your local Auto Zone or Pep Boys.

Cooking oil. Turning on the hot water and flushing it down the disposal is not the solution. Dump it in a glass container and throw it away. Oil turns into soap in the sewer system and clogs it up like hair in a drain.

Apparently Spring has been skipped and we have moved straight into Summer. With temperatures already in the high 80s and low 90s, it’s time to have a little chat about dehydration.

We became Las Vegas real estate residents at the end of June many years ago. It welcomed us with an intense dry heat and temperatures in the hundreds. Coming from the humid Midwest, we didn’t know what we had gotten into. One of the first things we complained of were headaches. No one had explained to us that desert heat was different and headaches were a sure sign of dehydration. Once we drank enough water to nearly vomit, the headaches went away.

So for good measure, here are a few tips for avoiding dehydration in Las Vegas.

Drink lots of water, then drink some more. The body loses water so fast in the intense heat leaving you with just salty skin. Keep it replenished

If your mouth is dry, you clearly need more water. This is a sign that you are already dehydrated. Drink up.

You can be dehydrated even if you don’t go outside. Drink water regardless.

If you wear lightweight long sleeve shirts and pants, you will lose water more slowly. Sounds ridiculous but it works.

While Las Vegas is full of places that offer free alcoholic drinks while you gamble, there’s no better way to ensure dehydration then with a high sodium beer. It might seem refreshing but it will suck the water right out of you leaving you with a headache you will not forget.

Drink water and stay cool in a pool (if you can) and enjoy your Spring-Summer!

Gas prices continue to climb. Some Las Vegas real estate residents have filled their tank at the unfortunate price of $4.00 a gallon. If you want to cut costs, riding a bike is one of the best transportation alternatives.

If you rode a bike as a child chances are it will come back to you, it’s just something that never forget. You might forget a few of the rules and tips so here you go.

Choose safety over looking cool. Wear a bike helmet. For $20-$30 you can protect your head from substantial injury.

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from dust and dirt.

Buy a mirror so you can see behind you.

Buy a reflective vest and a rear light to ensure visibility.

Go with the flow of traffic. Take the bike lane if there is one provided.

Never stop in someone’s blind spot. Stay behind the vehicle or toward the very front where they can see you.

Take up the entire lane if need be. Sometimes it’s just safer.

Avoid listening to music and talking on the phone while biking. Be aware of your surroundings.

Take the route less traveled. The busier the street the higher the risk.